INSIDE PAC*SJ`s Nostalgic Movie Night

Transcription

Volume 20, No. 4
INSIDE
COVER STORY– PAC*SJ’s
Movie Night
PRESERVATION ISSUES
3
Interim ED Message
4
On The Radar
5
Federal Help for Preservation
5
A New Look for San Jose?
6
Mid-Century Architecture
PAC*SJ NEWS
6
In Memory of Frances Fox
7
PAC*SJ Calendar
7
Jim Fox (1947-2009)
Dedicated to Preserving San José’s Architectural Heritage
Winter, 2009
PAC*SJ’s Nostalgic Movie Night
PAC*SJ celebrated history with another Movie Night on November 19th at Le Petit
Trianon. Guests were encouraged to bring a 1950’s dish and wear vintage outfits.
Along with the wide variety of food, silent auction tables were set up in the banquet
hall. By 7:15 everyone was invited into the theatre for the showing of the historical
films.
The Fruit Cocktail Club (Joe Melehan, Bill Foley, and Jim Zetterquist) was in charge of
the movies and led the evening’s entertainment in the theatre. Jim Zetterquist hosted
the movie commentary with Bill Foley, who also edited the films. The opening credits
dedicated the event to Joe Melehan’s mother, Pat Perrucci Melehan, who passed away
that same evening. Over many years, Pat Melehan had the singular distinction of being
the daughter, the wife, and the mother of three presidents of Mayfair Packing Company.
She and her family played an important role in shaping "The Valley of Hearts Delight", making today's Santa Clara Valley
the wonderful place it is today. She was
much loved and will be missed by many.
10 Thank You, Sponsors, Donors
and Supporters
11 San Jose’s Newest Landmarks
12 Meet our New Board Members
PRESERVATION ARTICLES
13 Letcher’s Legend
17 Historic Packard Showroom
19 Exploring SJ Landmarks
23 Membership Form
24 Board and Staff Roster
PAC*SJ Board Members Ellen Garboske,
The Movie Night guests viewed films that
included footage of orchards, prune picking, cutting cots and Ed Sakauye plowing
his fields. Then Ed demonstrated the old
Bean Spray Pump developed here in Santa
Clara County beginning in 1885. The second film showed us how Louis Pellier
grafted his branch of the French prune onto
a local plum tree. Pierre Pellier brought
the French prune cuttings from France as
his brother, Louis, had requested. Next we
saw firefighters from the 1960’s race down
the San Jose streets in their rigs and put out
a fire in Willow Glen. No women were allowed in the firehouses back then. Finally,
we learned how IBM developed their first
computer (RAMDAC) and how their modern, San Jose facilities looked in the 1950’s.
Anne Stahr and Heather David having a
good time.
Continuity Winter, 2009 PAC*SJ PO Box 2287, San José, CA 95109-2287
(Continued on page 2)
www.preservation.org
Page 1
PAC*SJ’s Nostalgic Movie Night (Cont’d)
The Fruit Cocktail Club announced that they are working
with the Pioneers of Santa Clara County to create a film archive of historic footage of the Santa Clara Valley. The Pioneers have purchased state of the art equipment that will
transfer 8mm, super 8mm and 16mm films to DVD. The
transfer service will be offered for free in exchange for the
rights to the footage. The Pioneers hope to make the footage
available for educational and entertainment purposes. Who
knows, your footage may be included in a future "Movie
Night". If you are interested in transferring your pre-1980
movie footage of any historic event, person or place in the
Santa Clara Valley, please contact Bill Foley at (408) 317-8249
or send email to [email protected]. You will receive a
free DVD copy of your film in exchange for the rights to
share those images.
pineapple upside down cake, apricot upside down cake, and
of course our traditional Spam Fruit Cocktail Loaf. (it looks
strange but actually tastes very good). It was a great evening of nostalgic tastes, treats and movies. Vintage apparel
winners
Left, PAC*SJ Board
Member Patt Curia
modeling her father’s
army uniform from the
1940’s.
Movie Night winners of the vintage apparel went to Angela
Elsey, Margaret Ma, Patt Curia (who wore her father’s service uniform from the 1940s) and Sheldon Smith.
The winning recipes were awarded to Leslie Masunaga Crab Dip, Helen Stevens - Turkey Spam Macaroni, Linda
Larson Boston - No Bake Cookies, and Babara Peddy - Cranberry Fruit Cocktail Salad. Other dishes that were often mentioned as favorites were the lime salad, rhubarb pie, creamed
spinach, scalloped potatoes, drunkin’ dogs, tomato aspic,
Vintage apparel
is published quarterly by the
winners
PRESERVATION ACTION COUNCIL OF SAN JOSE
The opinions expressed by contributors are not
necessarily those of PAC*SJ itself.
Editors: Gayle Frank & Julia Howlett
Right, Angela Esley
wearing a black
vintage evening dress.
Please submit your letters, comments and suggestions to
More pictures on
[email protected] OR
pages 8 & 9
PO Box 2287 San José, CA
95109-2287
Office location: Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street, San Jose
© 2009 Preservation Action Council of San José
PAC*SJ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization: 77- 0254542
Page 2
Continuity Winter, 2009 PAC*SJ PO Box 2287, San José CA 95109-2287
Interim Executive Director’s Message
The difficult times continue in the Silicon Valley
and beyond and PAC*SJ
is no more immune from
the impacts than any
other organization. Each
day brings challenges and
the need to find new solutions. We work to find
ways to achieve the goals
of our mission but we
need the help of our membership both financially
and as volunteers.
The efforts of PAC*SJ are
more important than ever
as budget cuts hit the City and in particular the Planning
Department. As additional layoffs occur in the Planning
Department the more impact they have on historic preservation. We would argue that historic preservation has taken
more than its fair share of hits from the layoffs in the Planning Department. This most recent round of cuts saw the
lead planner position for the Distinctive Neighborhood Program eliminated and the responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Officer divided amongst other non-preservation
related tasks.
Brian Grayson
We are concerned that there will simply not be enough people in the department dedicated to preservation and as a result important historic structures may not receive the level of
review that they should. This could translate into the loss of
more buildings. We will stay vigilant in working with Planning and hope the City Council will step-up to the challenge
of ensuring that our historic buildings are protected in spite
of difficult economic times.
I don’t know if this one slipped through as a result of the
budget cuts, but if you haven’t seen San Jose’s newest tent
then drive by the Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) and
see what is being called the “Pavilion at the CPA.” This unfortunate structure may serve a needed purpose but it looks
more like something that is erected to process victims of a
disaster. The tent appears to have been constructed without
regard to the design or architecture of the CPA building and
without any thought as to how the tent would blend with
the character of the building and its grounds. If you have
seen it you know it does not blend at all. (See pictures on
page 5).
Lets hope this is a one-time aberration (two if you count the
big blue tent behind the Convention Center) and not a preview of coming attractions in San Jose. At least it is not a
permanent building and hopefully will be dismantled in
the near future so this Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation designed CPA will no longer be marred by this canvas eyesore.
We had a very successful event in November, Movie Night
2009. The evening was highlighted by historic films that
provided a glimpse back in time when agriculture ruled the
Valley. Other films showed us what would be the future
by documenting when IBM first arrived in what would
become Silicon Valley. Another film provided a picture of
life in the 1960s San Jose Fire Department and one that told
the story of Louis Pellier and how he brought the French
prune to the Valley. Many thanks to everyone who helped
make this event a fun night for all, especially the event cochairs, Jim Zetterquist, Joe Melehan and Bill Foley.
With the year fast coming to a close perhaps you are in a
position to make some year-end donations. Since we had to
cancel our major annual fundraiser this year due to the economic downturn, we have not reached our fundraising
goals. We know many of you are facing tough times right
now as well, but if you are able to make a donation over
and above your membership commitment it would be
greatly appreciated.
Whether or not you can make a monetary contribution at
this time perhaps you would be able to give some of your
time. We can always use people on our Committees and on
our Board. See our website for more information or call the
office.
I want to extend condolences on behalf of PAC*SJ to Board
Member and past president, Joe Melehan, on the recent loss
of his mother, Patricia Melehan. The Melehan family has
deep roots in the valley and our recent Movie Night was
dedicated to her.
In closing, I would like to wish everyone the happiest of
holidays as we look forward to new challenges in 2010.
Brian Grayson
Interim Executive Director
PAC*SJ
Page 3
ON THE RADAR
Planning Department Budget Cuts:
Mirassou Winery:
Joe Horwedel, Director of Planning,
Preliminary review is under way for Summerhill Homes
attended the November PAC*SJ board
proposed project on the site of the former Mirassou Winery
meeting to tell us about the budget cuts
on Aborn Road. Summerhill’s application is to allow up to
being made in the Planning Depart-
150 dwelling units as well as general commercial, office, and
ment. As many of you know, Sally Zarnowitz was
retail on the site. There are at least two structures that are
“bumped” from the Historic Preservation Officer position
potential historic resources. We will work with Summerhill
during the last round of layoffs. John Davidson assumed
and the Historic Landmarks Commission to ensure the his-
this role. John will now split his time between Historic
toric elements of the site are treated sensitively within the
Preservation and Environmental review. Akoni Danielson,
proposed development.
John’s boss, has been reassigned and Darryl Boyd will
now oversee John and the Commission. Hadasa Lev, who
Letcher’s Garage:
was staffing the Distinctive Neighborhoods program lost
A group of PAC*SJ representatives toured the Letcher’s Ga-
her position in the Planning Department and will join the
rage site with representatives from Barry Swenson Builder
Environmental Services Department. Joe assured us that
on a salvage-seeking mission. We’ve asked that the brick
the program will continue in Hadasa’s absence. All in all,
walls be dismantled and donated to the California Pioneers
it’s a sign of the times, but it’s disappointing to see these
to be used for a patio behind their headquarters at the
positions that focused on historic preservation eliminated
Paulsen House at History Park. We also asked that the rafter
or reduced. PAC*SJ has worked hard over the years to
tails on the building next to the corner building be salvaged
advocate for the importance of having qualified staff in
and donated to PAC*SJ. In the event that History San Jose
areas that affect preservation.
does not want the iron doors, PAC*SJ has requested that
they be donated to us.
MLK Library:
Due to the reduction in the Redevelopment Agency’s
Closing Thoughts:
budget, it looks like the Convention Center expansion has
It is said that difficult economic times are good for preserva-
been put on hold, which means, for the time being, the
tion. As development slows in San Jose, it appears that that
library building will not be demolished. We hope the
may be the case, but as City revenues decline, the City will
same holds true for Fire Station One. Most of the develop-
be looking for opportunities that will generate revenue. If
ment world has gone into shutdown mode and there
an historic building stands in the way of potential revenue,
seems to be little interest from the development commu-
look out; we may be in for a rough ride. Let’s hope that the
nity to purchase this site.
strengthened language the General Plan Update Task Force
is considering regarding historic preservation will save the
Former City Hall:
day.
No question that this building on Mission Street is a landmark, but we’ve seen landmarks fall to the wrecking ball
before. It appears that the City might be interested in trading the building to the County in exchange for monies the
Redevelopment Agency owes the County.
Page 4
Federal Help for Historic Preservation
The Community Restoration and Revitalization Act
(H.R. 3715 and S. 1743) was reintroduced to Congress
and would make beneficial changes to the federal rehabilitation tax credit and provide a greater incentive for
the reuse of historic and older buildings
support of historic preservation. The bill would also
encourage building owners to achieve substantial energy savings in building rehabilitations with graduated
increases in the historic tax credit based on the level of
efficiency achieved. The measure is a redrafted version
of the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act
Contact your Members of Congress today and ask
(H.R. 1043 and S. 584), which was introduced in the last
them to be a co-sponsor of the Bill (H.R. 3715 and
Congress.
S. 1743) , especially if they are members of either the
For more information go to
House Ways and Means Committee or the Senate Fihttp://www.preservationnation.org/issues/rehabilitation-taxnance committee. If your Members of Congress are
credits/federal/proposed-amendments.html.
already co-sponsors, please thank them for their
The New Look for San Jose?
In Brian Grayson’s ED Message on
page 3, he asks if the tents at the
Center for the Performing Arts
(CPA) are a one-time aberration or
a preview of coming attractions in
San Jose?
We hope this is not a
predilection for the future.
Judge for yourself. The picture on
the left is taken from Park Avenue.
The tent hides most of the CPA
building, that was designed by the
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. If
they could only see it now.
On the right, the picture is taken behind
the second tent. A third tent sits toward
the rear entrance to the CPA, against the
structure, and appears to be storage.
(Photos: G. Frank)
Page 5
Mid-Century Architecture
San Jose’s
What The National Trust Said—
Mid-century Context Statement
“Modernism and the Recent Past”
The San Jose Modernism Historic Context Statement is
now on line at www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/historic.
Click on “Mid-century Context Statement” to access
the document that was compiled by Seth Bergstein and
Paige Swartley of PAST Consultants, LLC. The context
statement was at the request of the Preservation Action
Council of San Jose, and funded by the San Jose Redevelopment Agency Strong Neighborhoods Initiative
program.
“The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes the importance and significance of cultural
resources of the post-war and modern era, and aims to
enhance the public’s appreciation for and understanding of mid-20th Century architecture. The National
Trust hopes to unite emerging popular interest in
preserving the recent past with proper preservation
practices through the promotion of continued use and
sensitive rehabilitation of these structures.“
The study covers buildings constructed during the
1935-1975 time frame. It explores the development of
Modernist architecture in San Jose and organizes the
information into a group of themes that are illustrated
by property types. This is the first comprehensive
study of Modernist buildings in San Jose and provides
a global look at our Modernist properties.
The question of “what and why” do we preserve certain buildings becomes more challenging when we are
evaluating our more recently constructed buildings.
This study will assist such future decisions for San Jose.
National Trust for
Historic
Preservation
Headquarters
in
Washington, DC.
In Memory of
Frances Fox
2/26/1915 - 9/16/2009
We are deeply saddened over the loss of a wonderful lady
whose passion for local history inspired many. Her lectures,
books, walking tours and enthusiasm all helped to keep our
history alive.
Page 6
PAC*SJ Calendar 2010
Jan.
25
Monday, PAC*SJ Board Meeting, 6 - 8 pm , Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. 5th St., San Jose
Feb.
22
Mar.
15
Apr.
19
Apr.
24
Saturday, San Jose Women’s Club Home Tour
May
17
Board Meeting dates are tentative—see website for confirmed dates
Watch for details on our Annual Meeting in early 2010.
JIM FOX
1947-2009
Although Preservation Action Council may not have always been in agreement with Jim, he was a true preservationist
and was responsible for some wonderful restoration projects in downtown San Jose. His offices in the Saratoga Capital
Building were a feast for the eyes, and the Jose Theater, the De Anza Hotel and the Original Joes building are only a few
of his other successful historic preservation projects.
Andre, Brian and I had an opportunity to meet with Jim earlier this year to discuss some projects he was considering.
Jim was always very straightforward in telling you what he wanted, but would listen to opposing views and try to accommodate those opinions. I don’t think you can ask for much more. I am sorry we won’t have the opportunity to work
with Jim in the future.
Thank you Jim, for your vision and commitment to excellence: San Jose is a better place for your having been involved.
Judi Henderson
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Page 7
PAC*SJ’s Nostalgic Movie Night (Cont’d)
Vintage apparel Honorable Mentions were
far left, Margaret Ma and left, Sheldon Smith.
Above, PAC*SJ Board Member Jim Zetterquist and
Gabriel Ibarra sample the vintage delicacies.
(Movie Night Photos: Joann Renk
and G. Frank)
Above, new Board Member Judy Stabile, a Movie Night guest, Bob
Boschert and Board Member Helen Stevens check out the main dishes.
Page 8
PAC*SJ Movie Night Marquee
”The Valley That Was”
“Fortune in Two Trunks”
(30 minutes; KTEH production
(15 minutes Sunsweet Co., Louis Pellier and the prune)
San Jose Fire Dept. Recruitment,1960’s
”The Search at San Jose”
(5 minutes; SJ Fire Museum, KNTV)
(15 minutes; IBM story in SJ in the 1950’s)
Above, Heather David and Jim Henderson.
Right, Lynda Sereno. Far right, Cynthia Barnes.
Above, the Usherettes from Portraits of the Past, History San
Jose, from left to right, Ethel Reinegger, JoAnn Renk, Gayle
Frank, Nancy Martin
Page 9
Thank You Sponsors, Supporters, Donors & Committee!
PAC*SJ would like to thank our generous sponsors, donors and supporters for Movie Night.
Sponsors
Patt Curia
Ellen Garboske
Judi Henderson
Erik Schoennauer
Helen Stevens
Supporters
Keith Watt, Le Petit Trianon
Movie Night Committee
Co-Chairs and Movie Coordinators: Joe Melehan, Jim Zetterquist and Bill Foley
And the PAC*SJ Board of Directors
Patt Curia, Heather David, Gayle Frank, Ellen Garbaske, Judi Henderson, Julia Howlett, Andre Luthard,
Joseph Melehan, Tina Morrill, Frank Penrose, Anne Stahr, Helen Stevens, Jim Zetterquist
Executive Director: Brian Grayson
PAC*SJ also thanks our judges from Portraits of the Past - History San Jose
Robb Moore, Nancy Martin, Ethel Reinegger, and JoAnn Renk.
Donors of Auction Items
Page 10
Atomic Ranch Magazine
Leslie Masunaga
Ballet San Jose
Bonnie Montgomery
Fred Bennett
The Mountain Winery
Byington Winery
Opera San Jose
Casa Nuesta Winery
Preston Wynne Spa, Saratoga
Gary David
Ethel Reinegger
Hanna House
Roy's Station
Heather David
San Jose Museum of Art
Hotel De Anza
San Jose Stage
Gayle Frank
Marcella Sherman
Don Gagliardi
Symphony Silicon Valley
Lisa’s Tea Treasures, Pruneyard
St. Clement Vineyards
Jane Luthard & Family
Terry Thompson
Rusty Lutz
Top Hats Millinery
Caroline Martin
Zanotto's Downtown Market
San Jose’s Newest Landmarks
“Frank & Nellie Wolfe House #9”, 643 South Sixth Street, Jason Rowan and Batsirai Mutasa, owners
“Latta House”, 445 North Third Street, Courtney and Jonathan Carr, owners
“Field-Gross House”, 167 South Fourteenth Street, Bernadette Drechsler, owner
“Petree House”, 102 South Twelfth Street, Seamus and Jennifer Turner, owners
“Riggs House”, 577 South Twelfth Street, Suzanne Rice and Neil McCarthy, owners
“Former Second Presbyterian Manse”, 655 South Sixth Street, David Dudek, owner
“Cox House”, 198 South Twelfth Street, Gary Rucker and Michael Howerton, owners
“Purdy House”, 438 North Second Street, William and Jordan Saenz Baker, owners
The above houses, plus the earlier landmark homes, the "Tommie Smith House," at 55 N. 11th Street and the
“Stern/Fischer Residence (HL01-123) at 132 Pierce Avenue, owned by James F. Cox, were approved by the Historic
Landmarks Commission to enter into Mills Act contracts. The Mills Act allows owners to facilitate a property tax reassessment and partial tax relief in return for a binding agreement to rehabilitate and maintain the historical and
architectural character of the property for at least a ten-year period.
Page 11
Meet PAC*SJ’s New Board Members
Judy Stabile
Judy has been involved in historic and preservation activities for more than 30 years and she
has basic knowledge about most related areas, especially the political playing field. She
served on the Historic Landmarks Commission twice, and while serving on the San Jose City
Council for eight years, Judy was the liaison to the Historic Landmarks Commission. She
has been involved in the preservation of a number of landmarks and was the founding director of the Peralta-Fallon complex. She believes that PAC*SJ does important work in keeping our heritage alive for the future and making San Jose a more interesting place to live.
Judy likes to read history and mysteries. She has two children and three grandsons with
whom she plays a lot of the classic board games, such as Monopoly, Clue, Risk and Sorry.
She lives in the Hensley Historic District downtown, but in a contemporary condo, not a
historic home. Judy has lived in San Jose for 37 years and over that time she has served on
the staff or on the Boards of a number of non-profits organizations.
PAC*SJ is delighted you have joined our Board.
Eric Thacker
As an owner of a historic landmark, past board member of the Victorian Preservation Association, a “retired” landmarks commissioner, and a participant in the
historic stakeholders process, Eric has seen the importance of preserving historic
resources and how they can be damaged or lost due to poor communication
among stakeholders and poor policy/implementation by city hall. He hopes his
personal experiences and background will help PAC*SJ hone a preservation
strategy that would achieve preservation goals and further bolster credibility
with city hall, developers, and city residents.
Eric is a long-time technology marketing professional with areas of interest in historic preservation advocacy, building community consensus, and raising awareness of San Jose’s historic fabric. In his spare time, he works on his own restoration
projects (house and 1962 MG), avidly follows the Sharks, and enjoys video games.
Welcome aboard Eric! The PAC*SJ Board is so pleased to have you join us.
Notable Quotables
“All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains,
cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space.”
-Quote by Philip Johnson (1906– 2005), who was an influential American architect. In 1930, he founded the Department of
Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and later (1978), served as a trustee.
Page 12
Letcher’s Legend
The northeast corner of North First
and St. James Streets holds two structures that have seen a whole lot of
San Jose history. Around 1900, Clarence Letcher, an early auto enthusiast and a man who liked the ladies,
built his first garage at 136 South
Market Street that was considered
the first building designed for the
automobile business in the State.
Letcher was said to be involved in
the design and building of the Sunset
Automobile but he soon discovered
that more money could be made by
repairing and selling automobiles,
especially after Ford came out with
the assembly-line Model T. (A rare
picture of the Sunset auto can be seen
in the Arcadia book, San Jose’s Historic Downtown.)
Clarence Letcher’s third garage in 1914 at 214 North First Street.
Early on, Letcher’s automobile business was so unique that the term
“garage” was uncommon, so his
sixty days. He stated: “not a stick of wood nor bolt will go
business was known as “Letcher Manufacturing Co.” and into the building that is not of the best.” The entire structure
“Letcher’s Automobile Depository” during the time he sold was supported without pillars, allowing a large, clear floor
Oldsmobiles (circa 1902.) As his business grew he built a space. The garage was built with a unique expansive wood
larger garage (1905-06) on the corner of North First and St. truss roof design and large steel shutters on the rear winJames Streets (200 North First St.) that became Letcher’s Ga- dows. The building was constructed as fire-proof as possible
rage. Shortly after, in July, 1907, he sold the corner building and all new machinery and equipment was ordered for the
to Osen & Hunter (later becoming Osen & McFarland) and garage operations.
immediately built his third and largest garage right next
door.
Soon Letcher became the local dealer for the luxury automobiles, Pierce Arrow, Packard, and Cadillac. His third garage
According to the Sunday Mercury and Herald (9/27/1907), this was modified and enlarged by Wolfe & McKenzie in 1914 and
third garage (214 North First St.) was proclaimed “to be the now had a Tudor style façade. By 1916 after 13 years of sellfinest and most up-to date automobile garage in the State, if ing Cadillacs, he switched to selling Chalmers. Letcher exnot on the entire Pacific Coast.” Letcher proudly explained celled at marketing and he installed “milepost” signs along
the innovative features of his latest garage, such as placing roads from Los Angeles to his business in San Jose. Each sign
the “offices, receiving rooms, waiting room for the ladies told the traveler how many miles were needed to reach
and gentlemen, and night rooms for the men”, upstairs in Letcher’s Garage. A sign over the entrance to his garage said
the front portion of the garage. Wolfe & McKenzie, a well- “The End of the Road.”
known local architectural firm, designed the reinforced concrete garage in the Mission style with one and a half stories Clarence Letcher was a man of action who loved hunting,
at the front of the building and a single story in the back. cars, boats, and speed. If there was a race, he was most likely
The designs for the garage and the required permits were participating and often winning. He was known as a
completed by the time Letcher announced his plans in Sep- “mechanical genius” and in his younger days he drove one of
tember of 1907. All materials and construction would be the Southern Pacific’s largest locomotives.
first-class and he expected to move in for business within
Page 13
Letcher’s Legend (Cont’d)
In 1903, the San Jose Driving Association held their annual meeting at the
San Jose Park driving track and
Barney Oldfield, with his old racer,
Bullet No. 2, was the principal drawing card. Oldfield’s manager dared
any and all comers to face his star on
the race course. The young, speedmad Clarence Letcher, known for his
“nerve and coolness,” was selected as
the “logical sucker” for a race with
Oldfield. As the race began, Barney
Oldfield led and left Letcher and his
Oldsmobile behind until engine trouble plagued Oldfield. Then, Letcher
gained on Bullet No. 2, all the while
chewing on his black cigar. Finally
Letcher crossed the finish line first to
defeat the U.S. master speed king and
was greeted by an excited crowd of
admirers. A black cigar was Letcher’s
good-luck charm in his subsequent races.
Letchers third garage at 214 No. First St, next door to the shop he sold.
In August, 1904, Letcher proudly won four silver cups with
his Cadillac racer at the Del Monte (near Monterey) four-day
“Automobile Run and Race Meet” sponsored by the Automobile Club of California. His picture, sitting in his car, was
published in two separate articles in the Sunday Mercury and
Herald, once before the event and once after the races.
In March of 1905, a newspaper article describes Letcher driving his Cadillac daily at a high speed around a banked track
at the Cyclers’ Park. The article
states: “it is a daring feat on the part
of Letcher to attempt it.”
A newspaper account in 1906 relates
Letcher’s newest acquisition, a luxurious, 38-foot gasoline launch with
four tiny staterooms that was labeled
the “fastest and best launch on the
Bay.” Proudly Letcher tried his boat
out in rough weather on the bay and
reached 12 miles an hour with ease.
The two-cylinder engine had 18
horsepower. Five years later, in 1911,
Letcher announced he was building a
new power boat with 50 horsepower
that would be as fast as any other
boat on the bay, at 25-27 mph. In that same year he served as
Vice Commodore of the South Bay Yacht Club.
Around that time, in December of 1911, Letcher applied for a
patent on an air auto jack named the “Atlas” that could raise
one ton in weight.
In 1917 a newspaper article recounted that Letcher owned a
ranch near Pescadero and Butano creeks. At that time a raging fire threatened his property so he placed (Continued on page 15)
Letcher’s second garage on the corner of North First and St. James Street. In 1907
Letcher sold the garage to Osen & Hunter (later becoming Osen & McFarland).
Page 14
water pipe in gulches to soak the grass and trees,
hoping to protect his $10,000 worth of property including buildings, furniture, an electric generating
plant, a 20,000 gallon reservoir, shop and stables.
Letcher’s previous homes included a “handsome
residence in the Willows” that was burned to the
ground due to a faulty flue in 1903, and a new home
built near 13th and San Fernando Streets in 1904.
1903 must have been quite a year for Clarence
Letcher, since in addition to losing his Willows
home, that April he sued his first wife, Maude, for a
divorce.
Clarence Letcher was a sociable person and it appears he was active in a number of social and civic
organizations. He belonged to the San Jose Commercial Club that had over 700 members. The Club included influential businessmen from all over the
County and one of their goals was to improve the
economic growth in San Jose.
But Letcher’s philandering finally caught up with
him. He was having an affair with a blonde beautician named Ann Bennett that became known to
Letcher’s second wife, Helen Permien Letcher. With
the help of Helen’s private detective, she confronted
Letcher and Ann in San Francisco after he lied about
going hunting. However, it was reported that discussions later that week with their lawyer friend,
Louis Oneal, were successful and Mrs. Letcher
seemed happy at a lunch with relatives on July 2,
1926. But something happened after lunch to trigger
her rage, though no one knew or admitted what it
was. Helen left the Letcher apartment in the Vendome Hotel, went to the Letcher Garage, argued
with her husband in the doorway of the garage,
drew out a gun from her purse and shot him three
times. Then she turned the gun on herself and died Letcher’s garages today. Top, Letcher’s third and largest garage at 214
at the scene. Letcher was taken to the hospital and
North First Street. Above, next door on the corner of North First and
died the next day. Clarence and Helen Letcher were
buried together at Oak Hill Cemetery but when Cla- St. James Streets was Letcher’s second garage that was sold to Osen &
rence’s will was read, his wishes for cremation with Hunter in 1907. Later, this building served as the Four Wheel Brake
Garage until it was transformed into the Oasis Night Club, which
his ashes spread on Mt. Hamilton were fulfilled.
Mrs. Letcher was re-buried in Oakland next to her
closed in 1996.
mother. The couple had been married for about 22
years. Now, it was the end of the road for Clarence Letcher.
As an interesting sidebar, seven years later in 1933, George Truman “Skimp” Letcher, Clarence Letcher’s son, was operating
the Letcher Garage after his father’s death. When Brook Hart was kidnapped, “Skimp” was part of the San Jose’s Sheriff’s
plan to detract the outraged public crowd and whisk the two jailed prisoners up to San Francisco for their (Continued on page 16)
Page 15
protection from the angry mob.
Sadly, San Jose will lose the Letcher Garage structures
to make way for 12-story and 18-story condominiums,
even though the 100 year old buildings are
“contributing structures” to San Jose’s historic St.
James Park District. The garage buildings are being
sacrificed in order to save the noteworthy First Church
of Christ Scientist that sits directly behind the garages
and faces St. James Street. All three structures have
been allowed to deteriorate and are in terrible condition. The corner garage (the former Oasis Club) has
been modified to a great extent. But one look at the old
back walls of both garages, with the original brick and
steel shutters, takes us back to an earlier time. Wouldn’t it be a fantastic tourist attraction to restore at least
one of the garages for a display of antique automobiles
while crediting Letcher with his automotive innovations? Gayle Frank
Top, back wall of Letcher’s second garage on the No. First & St. James
Streets. Note the steel shutters. Above, back wall of Letcher’s third
garage at 214 North First street, right next door.
(Photos on pages 15 & 16: G. Frank)
Right, a Letcher ad from the San Jose Mercury, The Evening News,
on 9/27/1911
Sources: San Jose Mercury Archives
Page 16
HISTORIC PACKARD SHOWROOM RESTORED
Historic preservationists were out in
force to view the recently restored
Spanish baroque building at 865 The
Alameda. Biggs, Cardosa and Associates held an open house to let us
view the results of their magnificent
remodel of this fine structure.
Originally a beautiful showroom for
elegant Packard automobiles, the
building had been stripped of its
decorative
elements
and
“modernized,” as were so many others after World War II.
When Col and Cerruti opened their
new Packard dealership in November 1929, the Mercury Herald lauded
the building as: “the last word in
attractive business design and permanent construction. It is a semiSpanish type…” Nowhere does the article mention that the architects
were Wolfe and Higgins, one of the city’s most prolific architectural firms.
Records indicate that the building was financed by Charlie Bigley, San
Jose’s political boss, whose early financial success came from dealings
with autos, taxis and ambulances.
Restored are the concrete sculptural friezes above the showroom windows. Moulds for these were recreated through comparisons with early
photographs. The tile on the façade has been replaced, and the distinctive
arched entryway has been uncovered after being hidden for years under
ivy. The spacious area in the back of the building has been laid out for
offices. Large windows and a giant skylight add to the openness.
Top, photo of the beautifully restored building at
865 The Alameda.
(Photo: G. Frank)
Left, ribbon cutting at the open house. Council Member Pierluigi
Oliverio, Larry Clark and Mark Cardosa help cut the ribbon.
(Photo: Heather David)
Page 17
HISTORIC PACKARD SHOWROOM RESTORED (Cont’d)
To add to the festivity, one could view several classic Packards that were on display in front of the building. A large,
black luxury sedan was a further reminder of the grace and
beauty that existed during the early years of the 20th century.
If you haven’t done so, take a look at that stretch of the Alameda that runs from the Arena west. It has been markedly
improved, and the Biggs and Cardosa offices certainly add to
the
overall
attractiveness
of
the
neighborhood.
Jack Douglas, SAH
Clockwise from top left, replaced tile. Top right, entrance door and archway. (Photos: G. Frank) Above right, a
beautifully restored Packard on exhibit. Above left, Jack Douglas and Tom Layton at the celebration. (Photos: Heather David)
Page 18
Exploring Our San Jose Landmarks
Here are the next three San Jose Landmarks from the City
William Wurster. Maybeck's two most significant landmarks
list.
in the Bay Area are the Palace of Fine Arts (San Francisco,
Check previous Continuity issues for descriptions of
landmarks #1-24 at www.preservation.org.
1914) and the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Berkeley
HL83-25: Gates Maybeck Residence, 62 So. 13th St.
(1910). The Gates house is the only structure designed by Bernard Maybeck in San Jose and is representative of his interest
Dr Howard Gates (1867-1914) was one of the most influential
in European styles of architecture (flavors of Italian and Swiss
doctors in San Jose. He and his wife, Amelia Levenson, also
designs) as opposed to his numerous natural redwood struc-
an MD, had a thriving practice at their Gates Sanitarium at
tures identified with the First Bay Tradition.
Eleventh and East Santa Clara Streets.
Later, Gates was
hired as superintendent of the County Hospital and oversaw
the reconstruction of the Hospital after the 1906 earthquake.
In 1904 the Gates hired Bernard Maybeck to design and
build their custom house on So. 13th Street. The house is actually three stories; the lower level is partly underground,
with a kitchen, dining room and servant’s room. Circular
stairs lead to the living room on the second level and bedrooms are up on the third floor. There are many windows
and skylights designed to allow natural light to infuse the
house. The exterior has an extended roof, a dramatic arch at
the second level and elaborate balconies at major windows.
Bernard Maybeck (1862-1957) was one of the early architects
that created California's first original architecture, referred to
as First Bay Tradition, a revolutionary philosophy of incor-
Gates Maybeck home today
porating nature-based ideas into architecture. He became a
professor of engineering drawing at UC Berkeley and mentored many California architects such as Julia Morgan and
Source: Historical Footnotes of Santa Clara Valley by Jack Douglas
HS84-26: Alameda ROW (District)
The Alameda originally linked the Pueblo de San Jose de
Guadalupe to Mission Santa Clara de Asis and was built in
the late 1700s by Native American neophytes from the Mission. Along the road, rows of willow trees were planted by
the Mission workers in the winter of 1799-1800. The Alameda
became part of El Camino Real that connected the South Bay
to San Francisco.
Tolls were charged for access until the
county bought The Alameda in 1868 and returned the road to
free passage again. Past transportation down this road included Car-lines powered by horses, steam or electric power.
By the early 1900’s The Alameda was incorporated into the
City of San Jose.
The historic Alameda runs from Race Street to Highway 17
Gates/Maybeck house in 1995
and some of its beautiful mansions
Page 19
Exploring Our San Jose Landmarks (Cont’d)
remain today, often used as professional and business offices.
By 1983 the Historic Landmarks Commission was concerned
over incompatible development and the demolition of the
historic structures on The Alameda.
In order to conserve
“the visual and historic character of The Alameda” the City
Council declared it a Historic Landmark, initiated re-zoning
and established design criteria for planned development.
The roadway includes historic residences of various architectural styles, two churches (Westminster Presbyterian Church
and First Church of Christ Scientist), a theatre (Towne), and
retail buildings. However, there are many modern structures
along the way. Other significant items of historic interest
along The Alameda include the Hester Park Gates, Light
Standards, fireplugs, a plaque on the canning site at West
Taylor Street, the underpass at Hester Street, and many beautiful, old trees. The original Willows were replaced in 1887.
Source: San Jose Historic Landmark Nomination Form No. 17, Submitted by
San Jose Landmarks Commission, 1983
Top, The Alameda in early days. (Photo: www.businessimagegroup.com)
Above, The Hester Park Gates.
Above, retail shops on
The Alameda.
Right, Westminster
Presbyterian Church.
Far right, the Towne
Theatre.
(Other Photos & Text: G. Frank)
Page 20
Exploring Our San Jose Landmarks (Cont’d)
HS84-27: Bank of Italy, 8-14 So. First Street
This 13-story building was San Jose’s first skyscraper at 283
feet tall and was constructed in 1927 during the downtown
building boom. H. A. Minton was the architect for this Italian Renaissance style, steel framed structure sheathed in
brick and terra cotta. The bank was featured in Architect and
Engineering Record of California as one of the first earthquakeproof constructions in the area. Over 100 concrete piles support the reinforced concrete walls and floors. A terra cotta
classic tower sits on top with a tile roof holding a copper lantern and a bronze flag pole. Many older citizens can remember the green light beacon shining at night. The first floor
interior consists of marble from France, Belgium and Tennessee in beautiful designs. French marble is prevalent on the
upper floors. Bronze fixtures, finished in gold leaf, and additional gold leaf ornamentation decorate the first floor.
A. P. (Amadeo Peter) Giannini (1870 – 1949) was born in San
Jose but moved to San Francisco with his family as a young
man. He founded the Bank of Italy in San Francisco in 1904
and established his first
out-of-town bank in San
Jose in 1909. In 1930 the
Bank of Italy became the
Bank
of
America.
Giannini is credited as the
inventor of many modern
banking practices such as
loans to farmers, immigrants, and the middle
class, and school children’s savings accounts.
He loaned money for such
projects as Walt Disney’s
first full-length animated
movie (Snow White), construction of the Golden
Gate Bridge, Henry KaiAmadeo Peter (A. P.) Giannini
ser’s projects to support
World War II, and he
gave capital to help form the Hewlett-Packard company.
Time magazine named him one of the "Builders and Titans
of the Twentieth Century."
Sources: 1) San Jose Historic Landmark Nomination Form No. 27,
Submitted by Bonnie Bamburg, 1984
2) www.apgiannini.com
Top, Bank of America (Bank of Italy) Building, view from
East Santa Clara Street. Above, close up of window treatment with ornamentation, fluted columns and capitals.
Page 21
PERFORMING ARTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITES
CONFERENCE CENTER
VERSAILLES COURTYARD
Planning a special event or meeting, or looking for an elegant,
professional office space for your small business…
Le Petit Trianon Theatre, an elegant, historic building with
wonderful acoustics and a storybook setting, is ideal for
your event planning or business needs.
The Main Theatre seats 348
the Keith A. Watt Recital Hall seats 80.
Dining Chairs For Sale
30 plus old Mission Oak Chairs
Our Banquet Hall can accommodate up to 150, and the brand new
Versailles Courtyard can hold over 200 people for outdoor receptions.
Our Executive Office Suites are approximately 150 square feet .
(not reproductions)
Also several armchairs and rockers
Available February, 2010
We are located near the new Civic Center Plaza at
72 N. 5th Street in downtown San Jose, just walking distance
from the new San Jose City Hall, SJSU, County Court House, St.
James Post Office, restaurants and retail outlets.
Please call 408408-293293-3787
Please contact us at (408) 995-5400 or visit our website at
www.trianontheatre.com for more information.
Page 22
Preservation Action Council of San Jose
PAC*SJ Membership Application
Name(s)____________________________________________ Telephone(s)________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________________
E-mail__________________________________________________________________________________________
We are using email as much as possible to notify members about news and events. Not providing an email address
will make it more difficult for us to contact you about our important activities.
New Member________
Renewing Member_______
Please circle the level at which you wish to join:
Individual
$35
Family
$50
Student or Senior (over 65)
$20
Non-profit or School
$25
Contributor
$100
Patron
$250
Benefactor
$1,000
Beginning in January of 2010, the PAC*SJ dues will increase $5 for the first three levels of membership.
[Individual = $40, Family = $55, and Student or Senior = $25]
Join at the $100 level or above and receive a special premium,
the recently published Signposts Revisited, by Pat Loomis.
Please check if you would like to receive a copy at the $100 level:
Signposts Revisited__________
I am enclosing $___________ as an extra donation to PAC*SJ for a total amount of $ ___________
I am interested in working with the following Committee(s) (please check):
Advocacy
Programs/Education
Events
Membership
Fundraising
Complete and return to:
P.O. Box 2287, San Jose, CA 95109-2287
Phone: (408)-998-8105
Page 23
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 384
SAN JOSE, CA
PO Box 2287, San Jose, CA 95109-2287
Or Current Resident
PAC*SJ Wishes You a Very Happy Holiday!
PAC*SJ 2009 Board
Judith Henderson, President & VP Advocacy
Ellen Garboske
Gayle Frank, Vice President/Communications
André Luthard
Anne Stahr, Treasurer
Tina Morrill
The Preservation Action Council of San José
Helen L. Stevens, Secretary
Frank Penrose
(PAC*SJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation
Joseph Melehan, Executive Board Member
Judy Stabile
dedicated
Julia Howlett, Webmaster
Eric Thacker
Patricia Curia
Jim Zetterquist
to
architectural
preserving
heritage
San
through
José’s
education,
advocacy and events.
Heather David
We believe that historic preservation is good
for our quality of life, good for business, and
good for the environment. We aim to
integrate a strong commitment to historic
preservation
into
the
land
use
and
development decisions of the City of San José
that affect historic resources, as well as into
the private decisions of property owners and
developers. We try to bring owners and
developers together to create historically
sensitive projects that make economic sense.
Page 24
Staff: Brian Grayson, Interim Executive Director
Advisory Board:
Bonnie Bamburg
Karita Hummer
Marvin Bamburg, AIA
Rusty Lutz
Paul Bernal, Esquire
Franklin Maggi
Jack Douglas
Craig Mineweaser, AIA
Ken Fowler
Gil Sanchez, FAIA
April Halberstadt
Keith Watt
Alan Hess

INSIDE PAC*SJ`s Nostalgic Movie Night

Transcription

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